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Meet the Coach: Larry Bright

At Rogue, we believe that the success of our training programs rests not just upon expertly designed schedules and the huge network of resources and support on offer, but also upon our incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated coaches. These people put heart and soul (and a lot of time!) into helping you reach your full potential, and we thought you might like to learn more about them.

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When and why did you start running?
I ran cross country in Junior High and the 880 and mile on my high school track team. Nothing too serious, but I continued to run for fitness throughout my college years, expatriate work, and back here in Austin.

How did you get into coaching?
In late 2010, after coming back too fast (against my coaches recommendation) after some
time off, I got injured! To stay connected with the group, I decided to give coaching a try. This will be my 3rd year coaching the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon Group out at Dick Nichols for the folks in South Austin.

Why Rogue?
Before joining Rogue in 2006, I was running about 20 miles a week and working in the
Gym pretty consistently. Shortly after moving to Austin I ran my 1st half-marathon (3M
2006) where I ran a 1:39:09 with no training and was pretty beat up after. A friend of
mine introduced me to Rogue and I would run the same race in 1:19:57 the very next
year. I knew few people in Austin and did not know my way around the city and training
with Rogue around the streets of Austin got me faster, taught me the city, and introduced
me to a world of new friends. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Most memorable run?
On a trip to Penang, Malaysia I ran the Penang Bridge marathon and then flew to
Thailand to run the Phuket marathon the very next weekend (two marathons in two
countries in two weeks). In the Phuket marathon I had some very strange people chasing
me as we went through downtown (I think they’d been up all night), got caught in a
tropical down pour and still managed a 2nd place in my age group.

Favorite post-run meal?
I always have a recovery bag with me with some form of Chocolate milk, a Gatorade
type drink and extra water (often times with NUNN) that I consume immediately after
my run. During the week it’s followed up with a big bowl of oatmeal and fruit and during
the weekend its scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, fried potatoes, and wheat toast with honey.

Favorite Rogue long run route?
My first year with Rogue I did a route called “The run from Hell”! I believe it was a bit
different back in 2006, then it is now as I do not remember Ladera Norte! I do remember
I had a knack for hills and getting lost! It’s still my favorite route with lots of hills and
Ladera Norte.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new runner, what would it be?
I would advise any new runner to stay within themselves and believe in the training. The first year with Rogue I learned the value of recovery. The second year at Rogue I learned the value of nutrition. I continue to learn patience, relaxation, and believing in your coach
and your training.

What are you coaching next?
I am about to kickoff Rogue South Austin, a specially designed session of summer conditioning training for runners of all events (5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon, etc.).

What do you do when you aren’t running or coaching?
My spring and summer are dominated by baseball. My son is typically on two baseball
teams during the spring and plays tournaments well into the summer. My two girls also
keep me pretty busy with their activities throughout the year.

Any pets?
We have a chocolate lab (more like a vanilla lab) that my son named Mojo (after the dog
in the first Transformer movie.

What’s the last book you read?
I read a lot of technical journals for my job and enjoy a little fiction reading, especially
when I travel. My last book was The Appeal by John Grisham.

What is one item that is ALWAYS in your refrigerator?
Orange Juice! I love starting my day with coffee and a nice cool shot of OJ!

If you were a vegetable, which one would you be?
I have no idea!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I’ve lived in South East Asia for 10 years and have been to Australia, so I’d like to go to
Russia or some other Eastern-European country.

What is one to-do on your bucket list?
Even before my son was born, I always wanted to go to every major league baseball
stadium. I’ve been to four and my son is only 10.

Favorite quote?
It depends on the situation. For this I’ll go with “A daily hit of athletic-induced
endorphins gives you the power to make better decisions, helps you be at peace with
yourself, and offsets stress” unknown author.

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Larry’s next program is Rogue South Austin, a specially designed session of summer conditioning training. This training aims to springboard all runners over all events (5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon, etc.) into the best shape possible. Begins April 16!